GURGAON, Haryana, India – There are a few times in your life when you suddenly realize that maybe this moment is going to be the biggest tragedy of your life. This afternoon a little past 2 p.m., I had the same feeling, and for the second time in this year.
Sitting at my desk in my office, sipping coffee, I heard my colleague say, “Earthquake.”
It was just a few seconds, but those 40 seconds were the most terrifying 40 seconds of the year.
First the safety wardens tried calming every one down as we were not supposed to leave the building during the tremors. But as people realized that they are nowhere near to a halt, everyone started moving towards the emergency exits.
Once we reached the open ground, news started to come in about the epicenter and the amount of damage that the earthquake caused. It was Nepal the last time, and Afghanistan this time, but India has felt the tremors both times.
I wish my friends in Afghanistan and Pakistan are all fine and I hope to hear from then soon. These are not only my words, but what I heard all day long from every person I spoke with about today’s earthquake.
Maybe this is the way that nature has chosen to make us realize that we are neighbors and we are one. It is us who will help each other at the time of need.
Harsha Mishra is a Senior Reporter for Youth Journalism International.
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